How to Recycle Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Although compact fluorescent light bulbs have become more and more popular in recent years as the energy-saving alternatives to standard incandescent light bulbs, they do have a drawback. Because they contain mercury, they are considered hazardous waste, and the EPA mandates that they be recycled through a federally regulated and approved facility. Finding one can be a challenge, but there are a few ways to ensure proper disposal. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact your local waste disposal service. Many companies that offer disposal services for garbage also offer recycling services. Ask for rates and services--do you need to drop it off or will they pick it up with trash as long as it's separated and marked?
If your trash is picked up by the city, check with city offices or a commercial disposal service. Find out if they offer recycling of hazardous waste such as mercury-containing light bulbs.
-
2
Contact local lighting companies. They often have information on where they recycle their spent bulbs or have a recycling program in place. If they can't recycle it for you, they usually know where you can.
Home improvement stores sometimes have bins where the public can recycle their bulbs. The stores also may have information on where they go to dispose of lamps. Speak with a manager to get the details.
-
-
3
Keep an eye out for large electronic recycling events. Local schools, libraries and community centers often hold annual or semi-annual electronics recycling events as a way for people to get rid of old computers, TVs and other large pieces that are no longer usable. The recycling facility accepting these goods likely also will have a section for hazardous waste like light bulbs.
If they don't accept it at the event, they will at least give you information on where and how to recycle with them. Again, this will most likely require you to drop off at their central facility.
-
4
Check disposal company websites for ways to ship your bulbs (usually called "lamps" on lighting and recycling sites). It's common for these companies to offer specially made boxes for shipping hazardous materials to them as opposed to dropping them off in person. Note that the cost of the box includes not only fees for recycling your bulbs, but also pays for special shipping required to send hazardous materials.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Unlike recycling cans or bottles where you sometimes get money in return, hazardous materials actually cost money to recycle--usually around 10 cents to 15 cents per linear foot for straight bulbs and about $1 to $2 for spiral bulbs (which also include a ballast).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit modern bulb image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
